One Billion Rising at Sierra College

Anne Stokes, special to the Placer HeraldAmber Whitley of Stand Up Placer, left, and Brenatuan Mays of Roseville attend Sierra College's One Billion Rising to protest against violence against women and girls around the world.

Anne Stokes, special to the Placer HeraldStudent Rachel Chase shows support for fellow women and girls around the world at Sierra College's One Billion Rising demonstration against gender based violence.

Anne Stokes, special to the Placer HeraldStudent Sarah Wright's sign showcases a sobering statistic of domestic violence at Sierra College's One Billion Rising protest against gender based violence.

Anne Stokes, special to the Placer HeraldSierra College faculty member Brenna Chapman and son Spencer, six months, attend Sierra College's One Billion Rising protest against violence against women and girls around the world.

Anne Stokes, special to the Placer HeraldSacramento Taiko Dan drummers Asoka Ishiura-Lluch, front right, and Kristy Oshiro of Sacramento perform at Sierra College's One Billion Rising protest against violence against women and girls around the world.

Anne Stokes, special to the Placer HeraldStaffer Melissa Bohorquez attends Sierra College's One Billion Rising protest against violence against women and girls around the world.

Anne Stokes, special to the Placer HeraldSierra College staffer Karen McGuire protests violence against women and girls around the world at Sierra College's One Billion Rising demonstration.

Anne Stokes, special to the Placer HeraldSierra College's quad was a sea of red "Rise Up" shirts as students, staff, and faculty members came out to protest against gender-based violence at Sierra College's One Billion Rising V-Day event on campus.

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On Valentine's Day, Sierra College students, staff, and faculty members joined activists around the world to protest violence against women and girls. One Billion Rising refers to the grim statistic that one of every three girls around the world will be beaten or raped during her lifetime. With a global population of seven billion people, that amounts to one billion victims.

Sierra College student Rachel Chase of Rocklin was on hand to show her support. "I am here today because I am a survivor of sexual abuse," she said. "I just feel that it's important to help other women realize that they're survivors, not victims."